SOC 2 Readiness in 30 Days: A Practical Roadmap

Week 1: Define scope and success

Start by locking the Trust Services Criteria you will cover, the systems in scope, and the reporting period. Align on success criteria early so the team is not debating scope in week four. Create a one-page scope memo and circulate it to security, engineering, and leadership.

Week 2: Assign owners and map controls

Translate each control to a clear owner and a repeatable task. Every control should have one primary owner, a backup, and a cadence. If you can not explain a control in plain language, rewrite it before you move on.

Week 3: Collect core evidence

Build an evidence checklist that lists artifacts, formats, and who provides them. Focus on artifacts that prove operating effectiveness during the period. Store evidence in a single library with consistent naming to avoid last-minute hunting.

Week 4: Run a pre-audit review

Perform a dry run by sampling evidence, checking timestamps, and verifying ownership. Flag gaps early and decide whether to remediate, accept risk, or adjust scope. A short pre-audit review meeting with stakeholders keeps the process crisp.

A 30-day readiness window is tight, but it is realistic if scope is disciplined and ownership is clear. The goal is not perfection, it is predictable evidence flow and a clear story for your auditor.